Penelope "Penny" Walbridge Brandenburg, 80, of State College, PA, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025, at Harmony of State College, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Born on July 23, 1944, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she was the cherished daughter of the late Robert and Elizabeth (Grulke) Walbridge.

Penny was a passionate historian and an avid lover of theater, games, music, and entertaining. She proudly traced her lineage as a Daughter of the American Revolution back to Henry and Anna (Amos) Walbridge, who were married on December 25, 1688, in Preston, New London, Connecticut. Growing up near her Gramma Grulke, who lived in a home where Dutch was spoken, she embraced her heritage and celebrated St. Nicholas' Day with her family, a tradition she cherished and shared with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Robert "Bob" Brandenburg; her two sons, Timothy "Tim" of Raleigh, NC, and Brian (Emily) of State College, PA; her two grandchildren, Preston and Tessa Brandenburg; her brother, Mark Walbridge (Ann Bartuska); and her two nieces, Jessica Walbridge (Fred Richardson) and Lauren Brandenburg.

Penny earned her BS in Education in 1966 from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio), where she served as an officer in Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. At Miami, she met her beloved husband of 58 years, Bob. After college, Bob served as an Air Force Officer, leading them to Oscoda, MI, where Penny taught middle school English, and Lajes Field in the Azores, Portugal, where Penny enjoyed traveling, learning local customs, playing bridge, and entertaining.

Throughout her life, Penny was deeply committed to studying current and past cultures, especially those of the places she visited and lived. She resided in cities around the world including Livingston, New Jersey; Chicago; Louisville; Kifissia, Greece; Rhode-Saint-Genese, Belgium; Raleigh; Greenville, NC; Wilmington, NC; and Summerville, SC.

Known for her extravagant gourmet dinner parties, Penny was a talented gourmet chef, managing both the back and front of house operations with precision and flair. Her culinary skills were renowned, and she always had a plan, creating stunning multi-course meals with impeccable presentation whether for family, friends, co-workers, or gourmet clubs she and Bob joined.

During their time in Greece, Penny's fascination with archaeology flourished. She immersed herself in the history of antiquity and the writings of Heinrich Schliemann, organizing family excursions to historical sites such as Acrocorinth, Delphi, Mycenae, Olympia, and Sparta. Her adventurous spirit even led them on a cruise to Turkey, where they left the ship behind and embarked on a pre-arranged guided excursion to the ancient city of Troy. While living in Greece, Penny also earned ACBL masterpoints playing duplicate bridge.

In Raleigh, Penny rejoined the workforce and was recognized as Salesperson of the Year at Ryan Homes; then she managed a Ronkin Education Group franchise. In Greenville, NC, she contributed to Welcome Wagon, building relationships with local businesses, crafting gift baskets, and visiting newcomers to the area.

Her love of theater led her to volunteer at the Flowertown Players in Summerville, SC, culminating in her presidency from 2001 to 2003. She then served for 15 years as a docent at Middleton Place, a historic plantation and residence of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. There her leadership and dedication earned her the title of President Emeritus of the Volunteer Advisory Board.

Penny's legacy is one of love, history, and culinary excellence, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. She lived a life inspiring others to be their best and soldiered on, even when her inspiration landed upon ears that refused to listen. Her wisdom was that of a person who'd seen thousands of generations of good and evil and consistently sided with the good and rejected the evil. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.

Friends will be received from 2:00PM - 3:00PM on Saturday, February 22, 2025 with a memorial service immediately following at 3:00PM at the Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home, 1034 Benner Pike State College, PA 16801.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her honor to the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation, the Alzheimer's Association, or in support of Alzheimer's research, patients, and/or caregivers at act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=940531

An online guestbook may be signed and condolences left for the family at www.hakygeorgianafh.com